1999 Chevrolet Tahoe — Known Issues & Recalls

Your brakes are seizing and releasing on their own when you press the pedal, and your vehicle shakes violently as a result. This happens at various speeds without warning. An independent mechanic diagnosed that your ABS (anti-lock brake system) has failed, though the dealer couldn't reproduce the problem. The fix will likely involve repairing or replacing your ABS system and its components.

When you hit the brakes on your 1999 Tahoe, the brakes start to work but then pulse and fail to stop the vehicle properly. This has happened multiple times and has brought you close to rear-ending other vehicles. You contacted Chevrolet about a recall bulletin, but they said your vehicle wasn't covered. The fix will likely involve inspecting and repairing or replacing the brake system components, possibly including the ABS module, brake calipers, or related hydraulic parts.

Your brakes are locking up and releasing suddenly on their own at speeds under 45 mph, even when you're not touching the brake pedal. This happens unpredictably — sometimes right after starting the vehicle, sometimes after driving several miles, or sometimes not at all for over 50 miles. When the brakes lock, they grab hard enough to chirp the tires, throw passengers forward, and occasionally cause the vehicle to skid. You've already replaced the brakes, rotors, and drums, but the problem continues. The issue likely involves the brake system's anti-lock brake system (ABS) or brake line components that need diagnostic testing to identify the root cause.

Your ABS (anti-lock brake system) was activating incorrectly when you pressed the brake pedal at low speeds, causing your vehicle to take longer to stop than it should. Your dealer diagnosed that the ABS sensors had failed. The ABS system also stopped working entirely at 21,000 miles. Fixing this will likely require replacing the faulty ABS sensors.

Your vehicle is failing the smog test. This indicates an emissions control system issue that needs to be diagnosed and repaired to pass inspection.

You're having trouble getting a recall repair done at a dealership because your vehicle is older. This is preventing you from addressing a known safety or reliability issue that General Motors has identified.

The owner reported a problem with vehicle control but did not provide specific details about what aspect of handling or operation was affected. Without more information about whether this involves steering, braking, acceleration, or another system, the exact nature of the control issue cannot be determined.

Your driver's side seat belt unbuckles on its own while you're driving, even though it's properly fastened and won't come loose when you pull on it manually. You have to stop and re-buckle it repeatedly during normal driving. The fix will likely involve inspecting or replacing the seat belt buckle mechanism.

Your 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe is subject to a safety recall (campaign 00V122000) for seat belts, but the repair parts have been unavailable since you were notified. You've visited the dealer multiple times since 2003 for other repairs and asked them to fix this recall, but the parts remained out of stock for an unreasonably long time. The manufacturer said they would order the parts and have them arrive in about two weeks. The repair will likely involve replacing or adjusting seat belt components to meet safety standards.

Your Tahoe was involved in a head-on collision with a light pole at 35 mph, but the airbags failed to deploy even though the impact was severe enough to total the vehicle. No warning lights appeared before the crash, and you were injured as a result. The airbag system may need to be inspected and repaired or replaced to ensure it functions properly in future collisions.

Your Tahoe's driver and passenger airbags deployed suddenly while you were driving at 20 mph, even though there was no accident or impact. Fortunately, no one was injured and you were able to keep driving. This unexpected deployment suggests a problem with the airbag system's sensors or electrical connections that will need to be diagnosed and repaired by a mechanic.

While driving at low speed, your Tahoe's brake pedal made an abnormal grinding noise when you pressed it, and the pedal sank all the way to the floor before the brakes engaged. You had to pump the brake pedal repeatedly to come to a stop. A mechanic told you this is a known issue with this model year, though the dealer said there are no recalls on file. The brake system will likely need inspection and repair, which may involve replacing worn brake components or addressing a hydraulic failure.

Your steering wheel suddenly pulls or jerks to one side of the road, especially when turning or going around curves on the highway. This has nearly caused two accidents. You've already replaced your tires and had the truck aligned, but the problem persists. The steering pulls hard in one direction, then returns to normal on its own. A mechanic should inspect your steering system components, including the power steering pump, steering gearbox, and front-end suspension alignment.

While driving in traffic with your family, your Tahoe suddenly lost all power and felt like it was in neutral in the middle of an intersection. Without warning, it then jolted forward as if hit from behind and popped back into gear. You've now lost reverse gear and are unsure which other gears are working. This transmission failure requires professional repair, likely involving internal transmission components or fluid system replacement.

The plastic surrounding your ignition switch is melting, and the wires connected to it are also melting without any warning signs. This is a serious fire hazard that needs immediate attention. A mechanic diagnosed that the ignition switch assembly has failed completely and must be replaced to prevent a potential fire.

Your fuel system has multiple serious corrosion issues: the fuel pressure line is leaking gasoline, the brake lines are deteriorating (especially at the rear differential mount), and the gas fill neck has rusted through and leaks when you refuel. These problems require replacing the fuel lines, brake lines, and fuel filler neck assembly to stop the leaks and restore safe operation.

Your son's left rear tire suddenly blew out while driving at 25 mph, with the entire sidewall rupturing without any warning signs. He was able to safely replace it with the spare tire and wasn't injured. The tire manufacturer confirmed the vehicle wasn't part of a recall campaign. The tire will need to be replaced with a new one.

After your pitman arm was replaced, your airbag warning light started coming on. You also discovered that your clockspring (part of the steering column that connects the airbag system) was fractured and needs replacement. However, Chevrolet dealers told you that replacement clockspring parts are no longer manufactured for your 1999 Tahoe, leaving you to search junkyards for used parts. Until the clockspring is replaced, the airbag warning will continue to illuminate and your airbag system may not function properly.

Your Tahoe's frame has developed significant rust, and the U-bolts that connect the rear axle have rusted so severely that they've needed replacement. Rust on the frame and suspension components can weaken structural integrity over time. The repair involved replacing the rusted U-bolts to restore proper rear axle support.

Your Tahoe's frame has severe rust damage throughout the entire structure, even though the vehicle only has 73,000 miles. Large sections of rust are flaking off and crumbling away, while the rest of the truck and underbody appear to be in excellent condition. This level of frame deterioration may make the vehicle unsafe to drive until the frame can be replaced or properly repaired.